Manchester United takeover deadline: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sir Jim Ratcliffe updates

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A busy day lies ahead off the pitch for Manchester United as a deadline approaches for interested parties to submit takeover bids.

The Times reports the deadline for the bids is 10pm this Friday (17/2), with a view to a takeover being completed by Easter, in early April. There are several interested parties.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe

The only assumed bidder to declare interest so far has been Sir Jim Ratcliffe, via his company Ineos.

More information has been released on this via The Guardian who clarify Ratcliffe’s offer ‘will not’ put United into debt, claiming he would not pursue a Glazer-style leveraged buyout.

The paper report: “The Ineos owner hopes to paint himself as a safe custodian of the club he supports and in tune with the values of their fanbase.”

Qatar

There is heavy speculation a bid will come from Qatari investors. Whether this is presented by QSI or the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) or another form, it will likely lead back to the Emir of Qatar.

The Times reports: “Sources close to the process already believe that the Qataris will be difficult to beat given the extent of their resources and a desire for their first Premier League acquisition to be United.”

Qatar ownership of PSG is an obstacle to clear. However, a report this week via The Mail claims this will ultimately not be an issue for UEFA.

Saudi Arabia

A wildcard option is an offer from a private ownership group in Saudi Arabia. The Telegraph reported exclusively last night: “Saudi Arabia has joined the race to buy Manchester United.”

It is unclear whether a bid will actually come in, but there is certainly interest, with the newspaper claiming: “Intermediaries acting for several groups in the country have signed for sale materials.”

Manchester United have had commercial agreements in Saudi Arabia before, and there would be no connection to Newcastle’s ownership.

More developments are expected as the day goes on, and details of bidders may only emerge over the weekend and next week.

The Guardian offers an update on the process itself reporting: “At this stage, any offers are non-binding. This essentially makes the first round an opportunity for Raine and the Glazer family to gauge the range of interest.”

When bids are made, prospective owners are likely to begin communicating with supporters by publicly laying out plans, to attempt to generate support.